Electrical receptable fault protection

ABSTRACT

An electrical receptacle contains a plug outlet that has a pair of contacts for electrical connection to respective hot and neutral power lines. A controlled switch, such as a TRIAC, is connected in series relationship between the outlet contact and the hot power line. Sensors in the receptacle outputs signals to a processor having an output coupled to the control terminal of the controlled switch. The processor outputs an activation signal or a deactivation signal to the controlled switch in response to received sensor signals that are indicative of conditions relative to the first and second contacts.

This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser.No. 17/241,953, filed Apr. 27, 2021, entitled “Electrical ReceptacleFault Protection,” which is a continuation application of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/886,345, filed May 28, 2020, entitled“Electrical Receptacle Fault Protection,” which is a continuationapplication of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/274,469, filed Sep. 23,2016, entitled “Electrical Receptacle Fault Protection,” which claimsthe benefit of priority to U.S. provisional applications 62/222,904,filed Sep. 24, 2015, 62/366,910, filed Jul. 26, 2016, and 62/377,962,filed Aug. 22, 2016, all the contents of which are herein incorporatedby reference into the Detailed Disclosure herein below.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure is related to protection of electrical receptacles, moreparticularly, to tamper resistance, arc fault protection, ground faultprotection, overcurrent protection, and surge suppression for electricalreceptacles and similar devices.

Conventional tamper resistive (TR) electrical receptacles employmechanical means such as spring loaded gates, shutters or sliders oneach of the outlet sockets to prevent insertion into the outlets ofobjects other than prongs of electrical plugs. Shutters or gates on eachoutlet socket must be pushed simultaneously to allow prong entry.Preclusion of foreign objects serves to avoid the likelihood of shock,burn or electrocution.

Conventional TR devices, however, have inherent disadvantages. Excessiveforce may be required to open the gates, as the plug blades must beperpendicular to the front face of the outlet and well aligned prior tosimultaneous opening of the shutters. Often an equivalent force must beexerted on each blade in order to open the gates. These receptacles arethus difficult to use when located close to the floor or behind anarticle of furniture, especially for elderly and special needsindividuals. Once the blades pass a tamper resistance gate and makecontact with the sprung outlet terminals, the blades attain power eventhough they may not be completely inserted. Until the blades are fullyremoved past the tamper resistant gates or shutters the blades remainenergized. Exposed blades prior to complete insertion or removal canresult in arcing and electric shock. Moreover, with a live loadconnected with the TR receptacle, an arc fault circuit interrupter(AFCI) may false trip.

Various conventional circuit interruption devices exist for arc faultprotection, ground fault protection, overcurrent protection, and surgesuppression. An arc fault is an unintentional electrical discharge inhousehold wiring characterized by low and erratic voltage/currentconditions that may ignite combustible materials. A parallel currentfault results from direct contact of two wires of opposite polarity. Aground current fault occurs when there is an arc between a wire andground. A series voltage fault occurs when there is an arc across abreak in a single conductor. When a ground or arc fault is detected,power is conventionally terminated on the circuit by an AFCI or groundfault circuit interrupter (GFCI) disconnecting both receptacle outletsand any downstream receptacles.

The devices include transformers that combine magnetic representationsof the current in an analog form. Transformer current sensors arelimited to a fixed current value and time interval. Upon sensed voltageimbalance of greater than a specified level, such as 6 mV, power isinterrupted by electromechanical means, such as solenoid tripping alocking mechanism. The conventional devices lack capability todisconnect outlets individually, independently of other loads connectedto the outlet.

A normal arc can occur when a motor starts or a switch is tripped. Onlycurrent flow imbalance between the hot and neutral conductors isdetected by conventional circuit interrupters. The individual currentline difference is not monitored. Conventional circuit interrupters tripfrequently by false triggers, as they lack adequate capability todistinguish between normal arcing and unwanted arcing. Transformercurrent sensors are limited to a fixed current value and time interval.Upon sensed voltage imbalance of greater than a specified level, such as6 mV, power is interrupted by electromechanical means, such as solenoidtripping a locking mechanism. The conventional devices lack capabilityto disconnect outlets individually, independently of other loadsconnected to the outlet.

As indicated above, needs exist to improve the usability and safety ofexisting conventional receptacles. Existing conventional GFCI and AFCIreceptacles do not provide detail about a fault. Currents are not beingindividually measured. Existing conventional GFCI and AFCI receptaclesdo not measure, monitor and control current and voltage, and do notprotect against overcurrent, under voltage or over voltage at theoutlet. It would be desirable to limit interruption of power to affectedoutlets, receptacles or devices only on the circuit, based on the typeand location of the fault. Overcurrent protection at the outlet ispreferable to the protection provided by the circuit breaker as it wouldavoid delay as well as associated voltage losses associated with wireresistance along increasing wire length. Such voltage losses impede theability of existing circuit breakers to detect a short circuit at aremote location.

There is a need for overcurrent protection that more effectivelydistinguishes between short circuits, momentary overcurrent and overloadso that false triggering can be avoided. There is a need for areceptacle that can provide local overcurrent protection as well asprotection against arc faults and ground faults.

Conventional existing dual amperage receptacles will supply up to 20 Ato an appliance rated for 15 A and potentially cause an overcurrentevent. There is a need for a dual amperage (e.g. 15 A/20 A) receptaclethat restricts amperage supplied to a lower rated plug when a low ratedappliance is plugged in.

Current measurement accuracy is important for effective ground and arcfault detection as well as overcurrent protection. Conventionalreceptacles are factory calibrated and not re-calibrated by the deviceonce installed. There is a need for continued self-calibration ofreceptacles and outlets.

If the hot and neutral conductors have been incorrectly wired to thereceptacle terminals, electrical equipment plugged into the receptaclecan be damaged. Incorrect wiring can cause short circuits with potentialto harm the user through shock or fire. There is a need to warn thereceptacle installer that the receptacle has been incorrectly wired andto preclude supply power to the load in such event. It would also bedesirable that the outlet not be operational if the black wire and whitewire are incorrectly connected to the opposite terminals.

Conventional outlets lack surge protection features, which are typicallyprovided by power strips and power bars. A power strip is inserted intoa receptacle after which a sensitive electrical device is plugged intoone of the power strip extension receptacles. Use of the power striptends to lead to a false impression that it is safe to insert additionalloads that more than permissible. There is a need for surge protectionat the electrical receptacle to avoid use of a dedicated power strip andits attendant disadvantages of power loss and limited life.

It is possible to plug a GFI extension cord or a power strip with acomprised ground prong into a two blade ungrounded receptacle by using a“cheater plug” that allows the ground prong to be inserted without apresent ground. It is also possible to replace an ungrounded two bladeelectrical receptacle with one with ground socket without actuallyproviding a conductor to ground pin. Conventional existing receptaclesdo not indicate that the supply side safety ground is present or if itis compromised. There is a need to protect the user and the equipment inthe event of an incorrect grounding of an electrical receptacle. If nosafety-ground is present and a wire conductor is exposed (e.g. hasdegraded insulation) the user may act as the ground path and receive ashock.

Traditionally, GFCI manual testing is accomplished by injecting acurrent imbalance. A thoroid type transformer is typically used tomeasure the current imbalance between neutral and hot conductors. Themonitoring circuit indicates that an imbalance has occurred withoutindicating the amount of imbalance. This method is limited in that theabsolute value of current imbalance is not available. There is merely avoltage level that indicates that an imbalance or fault has occurred.There is a need for more comprehensive self-testing and interruption ofsupply power to downstream and/or receptacle loads upon fault detectionor an internal component fault.

SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

The needs described above are fulfilled, at least in part, by anelectrical receptacle having a plug outlet that has first and secondcontacts for electrical connection to hot and neutral power lines. Acontrolled switch, such as a TRIAC, is connected in series relationshipwith the hot power line. Sensors are coupled to respective plug outletcontacts. Sensor signals are input to a processor having an outputcoupled to the control terminal of the controlled switch. The processoroutputs an activation signal or a deactivation signal to the controlledswitch in response to received sensor signals that are indicative ofconditions relative to the first and second contacts. When a plug isinserted into the plug outlet, the processor can output the activationsignal at or near the zero volt level of the alternating currentwaveform. If the electrical receptacle is incorrectly wired, theprocessor will preclude outputting an activation signal.

The receptacle may include a second plug outlet with a second controlledswitch connected in series relationship to the hot power line. Sensorsare coupled to the contacts of the second plug outlet to supply input tothe processor. The processor outputs an activation signal or adeactivation signal to the second controlled switch in response toreceived sensor signals that are indicative of conditions relative tothe contacts of the second plug outlet. The processor signals output tothe first and second controlled switches are independent of each other.Deactivation of the receptacle would not affect another receptacleconnected across the hot and neutral power lines. Deactivation signalsto the controlled switches are applied before a mechanical breaker canbe activated. Protection against voltage surge can be provided by avaristor coupled across the hot and neutral lines. The receptacle mayinclude a downstream electrical connection to a second electricalreceptacle having a second voltage surge protection circuit, therebyproviding a tighter voltage capping tolerance. An interrupt detectioncircuit is coupled to the contacts of each plug contact and provides aninput to the processor. In response to an interrupt detection circuit,the processor outputs a deactivation signal to the respective controlledswitch.

A mechanical switch mechanism can be electrically connected to the powersource. A detector, such as an optical switch, corresponding to eachprong socket contact, is connected to the switch mechanism and the powersource when the switch mechanism is activated by insertion of one ormore objects in the plug outlet. The processor generates an activationsignal to the control terminal of the controlled switch of the prongsocket in response to two or more objects being detected by theplurality of detectors within a specified time. The switch mechanism maycomprise a mechanical switch, corresponding to each prong socket, whichcomprises a switch plunger depressed by deflection of a spring contactwhen an object is inserted in the socket. An indicator may be coupled tothe processor to indicate that objects have not been inserted in theplug sockets within the specified time.

The receptacle may include a first circuit board for a hot line prongsocket for each plug outlet, with high power control circuitry forelectrical connection from the hot line to each hot line prong socket. Asecond circuit board, spatially separated from the first circuit boardincludes a neutral line prong socket for each plug outlet, withcommunication circuitry for electrical connection from a neutral line toeach neutral line prong socket. Both circuit boards may be planar andconfigured parallel to each other.

A current sensor, coupled to the hot power line, can sense ground fault,arc fault or over-current conditions. The current sensor provides inputto the processor to output a deactivation signal to the switch controlterminal upon indication of such fault conditions. The processor may bemounted on a circuit board housed within the receptacle.

The processor can record a number and intensity of overvoltageoccurrences of the receptacle and output an end-of-life indication basedon a maximum number threshold or intensity of the overvoltageoccurrences. A processor memory is provided to store sampled signalsfrom the power lines. A memory can store criteria for temporal signalimbalance, waveform criteria, minimum values, maximum values, tablelookup values, reference datasets and/or Fourier analysis criteria, withwhich the sampled signals are compared. Such storage may include aminimum monitoring time period of the sampled signals, which issufficient to detect a possible fault, and a reference lookup tablecomprising criteria relating to a temporal signal imbalance occurrenceof the sampled signals.

The processor can reconstruct waveforms of the sampled signals. From thesampled signals, the processor may determine that a sum of current ofall hot lines is not equal to current of a neutral line, or within a setthreshold, or determine temporal imbalance from sampled current signalsof the hot line. From such determinations the processor can apply adeactivation signal to an associated switch control terminal.

The receptacle may further include a communication subsystem forcommunicating with a downstream load or a second electrical receptaclethat is downstream of the receptacle. Stored current fault criteria mayinclude a threshold for the sum of current of the plug outlet andcurrent downstream of the electrical receptacle. The processor cansample signals at the upstream plug outlet and determine that a fault,such as a ground fault, occurs at the second electrical receptacle.After waiting a specified delay period, the processor may communicate asignal to the downstream receptacle only for deactivation thereof. Thespecified delay period allows time for the second receptacle todeactivate in response to the fault. A shorter delay period can beimposed for deactivation for a fault at the input of the firstreceptacle.

A plug orientation sensor may be coupled to the plug contacts. Thresholdcurrent fault values for different plug orientations, for example 20ampere plug orientation and 15 ampere plug orientation, may be stored inprocessor memory. The processor can determine if the plug outlet hasreceived a plug without a ground prong. The processor, in response toinput from the plug orientation sensor, can output a deactivation signalapplicable to the respective plug orientation.

The processor is configured to perform self-testing of the electricalreceptacle to determine if there is an internal component failure.Self-testing can be performed in an ongoing or periodic routine. Theprocessor is also capable of recalibrating sensors, including voltageand current sensors. Such calibration can be effected by coupling aconstant current source to the processor. A deactivation control signalcan be generated in response to a fault determination during theself-testing routine.

Additional advantages of the present disclosure will become readilyapparent to those skilled in this art from the following detaileddescription, wherein only the preferred embodiments of the invention areshown and described, simply by way of illustration of the best modecontemplated of carrying out the invention. As will be realized, theinvention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its severaldetails are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, allwithout departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings anddescription are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not asrestrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Various exemplary embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and notby way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings inwhich like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1A is an isometric exploded view of a tamper resistant (TR)electrical receptacle in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a detail view taken from FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a front view of the TR receptacle of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1D is a section view taken from FIG. 1C;

FIG. 1E is a front view of TR receptacle of FIG. 1C shown with a pluginserted;

FIG. 1F is a section view taken from FIG. 1E.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram for the example embodiment of FIG. 1A,utilizing GFI protection;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for operation of the circuit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a more detailed circuit diagram of the example embodiment ofFIG. 1A, including GFI tester and sensing, and communications module;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are a flowchart for operation of the circuit of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 6A-A, 6A-B, 6B, 7A, 7B-A, 7B-B, 7C together comprise a circuitdiagram for AFCI and GFCI and surge protection, taken with the circuitdiagram of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a detailed schematic representation of the processor,communications module and logic elements of the circuit diagrams ofFIGS. 6A-A, 6A-B, 6B, 7A, 7B-A, 7B-B, 7C;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for operation of the processor of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a GFI manual test flowchart for operation of the processor ofFIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a processing task flowchart for tamper resistance bladedetection circuitry of FIGS. 6-8:

FIG. 12 is a sampling flowchart for the ADC circuitry of FIGS. 6A-A,6A-B, 6B, 7A, 7B-A, 7B-B, 7C and 8;

FIG. 13 is an AFCI flowchart for the circuits of FIGS. 6A-A, 6A-B, 6B,7A, 7B-A, 7B-B, 7C and 8;

FIG. 14 an ADC reset process flowchart for the circuits of FIGS. 6A-A,6A-B, 6B, 7A, 7B-A, 7B-B, 7C and 8;

FIG. 15 is an GFI Test flowchart for the circuits of FIGS. 6A-A, 6A-B,6B, 7A, 7B-A, 7B-B, 7C and 8;

FIG. 16 is an GFI reset process flowchart for the circuits of FIGS.6A-A, 6A-B, 6B, 7A, 7B-A, 7B-B, 7C and 8;

FIG. 17 is a surge test process flowchart for the circuits of FIGS.6A-A, 6A-B, 6B, 7A, 7B-A, 7B-B, 7C and 8;

FIG. 18 is a data table for the processor of the example embodiment;

FIG. 19 is an auto/self-test process flowchart for the exampleembodiment;

FIG. 20A is a plan view of the receptacle of example embodiment;

FIG. 20B is a view of the receptacle from FIG. 20A with a plug inserted;

FIG. 21 is an isometric view the example embodiment of the receptaclewith side heat sink;

FIG. 22 is a partial view of the receptacle of FIG. 21 shown with aground plate;

FIG. 23 is an isometric view of the example embodiment for a 15/20 Areceptacle;

FIG. 24 is a partial view of the receptacle shown in FIG. 23 with groundplate and heat sink flange;

FIGS. 25A-25E are various views of a 15 A plug inserted into a daughterboard of the receptacle shown in FIG. 23;

FIGS. 26A-26E are various views of a 20 A plug inserted into thedaughter board of the receptacle shown in FIG. 23;

FIG. 27A is a front view of an example receptacle embodiment withmicro-switch implementation for blade detection;

FIG. 27B is a section view taken from FIG. 27A;

FIG. 28 is an isometric view of single circuit board of the embodimentof FIGS. 20A and 20B;

FIG. 29 is an isometric view of the blades of a plug in the singlecircuit board embodiment shown in FIG. 28; and

FIG. 30 is an isometric view of blades of a 20 A plug in the singlecircuit board embodiment shown in FIG. 28.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE

FIG. 1C is a front view of receptacle 2 without plug insertion inoutlets 6. Referring to the isometric view of FIG. 1A, receptacle 2includes front housing 4 and rear housing 16. Sockets 8 in front housing4 serve to receive plug blades for each of two outlets 6. Enclosedwithin housing 4 and 16 are ground plate 10, neutral circuit board 14,hot circuit board 12 and terminal plates 13. Terminal screws 15 providefastening to power wires. FIG. 1B is an enlarged detail view of aportion of FIG. 1A. Lever 19 is positioned in the path of a contact 20of each outlet 6. Detector switch 18, positioned on circuit board 14,can be activated to energize a low voltage circuit by tripping lever 19when an object has been inserted into the left opening in the socket. Anoptical sensor, comprising emitter 22 and collector 24 is powered by thelow voltage circuit when activated. Two optical sensors are for providedfor each outlet 6. The optical sensors are coupled to control circuitryresponsive to signals received therefrom. The circuitry permitsconnection between power terminals 13 and contacts 20 of outlet 6 ifoptical sensor signals are indicative of non-tamper conditions. Controlcircuitry for the circuit boards is shown in detail in the circuitdiagrams of FIGS. 2, 4, and 6-8.

FIG. 1D is a section view taken from FIG. 1C. FIG. 1E is a front view ofreceptacle 2, shown with plug prong blades 32, inserted in an outlet 6.FIG. 1F is a section view taken from FIG. 1E. Referring to FIG. 1D, asno object has been inserted in the socket, lever 19 has not moved toactivate detector switch 18. The low voltage circuit portion to whichthe optical sensor connected thus does not provide power to emitter 22.Collector 24 does not produce output signals. No connection is madebetween terminals 13 and contacts 20.

Referring to FIG. 1F, detector switch 18 lever arm 19 has been trippedby blade 32 inserted in socket 8. Contacts 20 are sprung open by theapplication of force on blades 32 of plug 30. Power is applied to thelow voltage circuit by virtue of tripped detector switch 18. The lowvoltage power remains applied when lever 19 is in the tripped position,i.e., whenever an object has been inserted in socket 8. Emitters 22above each socket are active to produce light. Each collector producesan output signal when exposed to light produced by the correspondingemitter. As shown, collectors 24 beneath blades 32 do not produce outputsignals because the prong blades located in the path between emittersand collectors have blocked the light transmission.

In operation, when a plug or foreign object is inserted in the leftsocket 8 of outlet 6, lever 19 is moved to the tripped position beforethe inserted object makes contact with the socket contacts 20. Duringthis time, power is applied to the low voltage circuit and to emitters22 of the respective outlet 6. As object insertion has not yet reachedcontacts 20, each collector 24 receives emitted light and produces anoutput signal to the control circuitry. The control circuitry will notpermit connection between power terminals 13 and contacts 20 of outlet 6if a light output signal is received from either collector. As insertionof the plug advances to socket contacts 20, as depicted in FIG. 1F,emitted light from both emitters is blocked and no signal is produced bycollectors 24.

The control circuitry is capable of determining the time difference, ifany, between termination of light signals received from both collectors24. If the time difference is determined to be near simultaneous, forexample within twenty five milliseconds, the control circuitry willeffect connection of contacts 20 to terminals 13. That is, simultaneousor near simultaneous sensing of insertion at both sockets is indicativeof non-tampering. If a foreign object is attempted to be inserted into asocket, or if insertion of the plug cannot be completed to the contacts20, collector output signals preclude connection of the contacts to theterminals 13. Connection of the sockets 6 of the receptacle are thosecontrolled independently of each other.

Referring to the circuit diagram of FIG. 2, an N contact of each outlet2210 and 2212 of the receptacle is directly connected to the N (neutral)terminal of the alternating current source. The L contact of each outlet2210 and 2212 is coupled to the L (hot) terminal of the alternatingcurrent source through a respective TRIAC. Metal oxide varistor (MOV)2224 is connected across the L and N terminals to protect againstovervoltage. Driver circuit 2206 is coupled to the control terminal ofthe TRIAC of outlet 2210. Driver circuit 2216 is coupled to the controlterminal of the TRIAC of outlet 2212. Power supply 2202, connectedacross the L and N terminals, corresponds to power supply 18 of FIG. 1B.Optical sensor arrangement 2218 contains optical emitters and receiversthat correspond to emitter 22 and 24 of FIG. 1B. Switch 2211, whichcorresponds to switch 19 of FIG. 1B, is connected between optical sensorarrangement 2218 and power supply 2202 when an object has been insertedinto the socket of outlet 2210. Optical sensor arrangement 2220 containsoptical emitters and receivers that correspond to emitter 22 and 24 ofFIG. 1B. Switch 2213, which corresponds to switch 19 of FIG. 1B, isconnected between optical sensor arrangement 2220 and power supply 2202when an object has been inserted into the socket of outlet 2212.

Logic core 2214 (aka a processor) comprises inputs connected to receivesignals output from optical sensors 2218 and 2220. Outputs of logic coreprocessor are connected respectively to driver circuits 2206 and 2216.Outputs of processor 2214 are connected to LED1 and LED2 forenergization thereof to indicate that objects have not been inserted inthe respective plug sockets within a specified time. Processor 2214 isfurther connected to ground fault injector 2204 to generate a tripoutput for a current imbalance. The disclosed logic circuitry mayinclude an AND gate or the like to receive signals from the opticalsensors.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of operation for the circuit of FIG. 2. At step300, operation is started. Initialization proceeds at step 302 withpower supply 2202 connected to the alternating current terminals. Atstep 304, there has been no activation of the TRIAC of a respectiveoutlet. Step 306 is a decision block as to whether switch 2211 or 2213has been tripped to supply power to the corresponding optical switchesand whether the L or N socket optical switch has been initially set byblockage of emitted light. If so, a delay timer is started at step 308.Decision block 310 determines whether both L and N socket opticalswitches are set by blockage of emitted light. If the outcome of step310 is positive, decision block 318 determines whether the positiveoutput of step 310 has occurred within 25 ms. If the outcome of step 318is positive, an ON status LED is activated at step 320. If there hasbeen no fault detected at step 322, the respective TRIAC is activated atstep 324 and activation thereof is continued as long as both L and Noptical switches are set by emitted light blockage, as determined instep 328. A negative outcome of step 328 results in turning off thestatus LED at step 330 and flow reverts to step 304, in which the TRIACis disabled.

If the outcome at step 310 is negative, the timer continues until it isdetermined that 25 ms has expired at step 312. A positive outcome ofstep 312 is indicative that a foreign object has been inserted in arespective socket to initiate an alarm in step 314. Decision block step316 determines whether optical switches for both L and N sockets havecleared. When the outcome of step 316 is positive, flow reverts to step304. The 25 ms delay period for TRIAC activation is intended to allowfor slight variations in plug blade length within manufacturingtolerances or slight misalignment of the blades in the sockets duringinsertion, while not being long enough to permit connection to the powersource by insertion of distinct foreign objects.

FIG. 4 is a more detailed circuit diagram, illustrating enhancements toFIG. 2, for operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1F. Current sensor2228 is coupled to the hot line current path for the socket of outlet2210. The output of current sensor 2227 is connected to an input ofprocessor logic core 2214. Current sensor 2230 is coupled to the hotline current path for the socket outlet 2212. Wireless communicationmodule 2232 is connected to a data input/output terminal of processorlogic core 2214. Protocol for wireless communications may include Wifi,Zigbee or other protocols. Power line communications module 2234 iscoupled between the alternating current source and a signal input oflogic core 2214. Manual test button 2205 may be used for GFCI testing.

FIGS. 5A and 5B together form a flow chart for operation of the circuitof FIG. 4. Elements of FIGS. 5A and 5B that are in common with those ofFIG. 3 contain the same reference numerals and the description thereofcan be referred to the description of FIG. 3. FIG. 5A differs from FIG.3 in the respect that the decision branch from decision block 322 haschanged from step 324 and expanded to decision blocks 323 and 329. Stepsare provided for related communications beginning at step 334. At step334 communication is sent to the network that the plug has beensuccessfully inserted. Decision block 336 establishes whether thenetwork power should be enabled. If so, steps 338, 340 and 342 areprocesses related to power measurement and dimming. If not, steps 344,346 and 348 deal with disabling the Triac and any resulting Triac faults(decision block 346). Upon a fault detection, GFI tripping is enabled instep 348.

FIGS. 6A-A, 6A-B and 6B are a more detailed circuit representation ofFIGS. 2 and 4, including a plurality of receptacles in a system forprotection against AFCI, GFCI and surge faults. For ease of clarity,FIGS. 6A-A, 6A-B and 6B is divided into three sections, reproduced inFIGS. 7A-7C. Referring to FIG. 7A, power input lines are connected tohot power terminal 11 and neutral power terminal 12. MOV 20 is connectedacross the hot power and neutral power lines to protect againstovervoltage. Power supply block 10, fed from the hot and neutral powerlines, provides low voltage power to the processor logic circuitry. Theprocessor circuit may comprise a microcontroller 80, shown in detail inFIG. 8. Microcontroller 80 may contain a broadband noise filter routinesuch as fast Fourier transform.

The output of power supply block 10 is coupled to current and voltagesensors block 30, and TRIAC drive blocks 40, 50 and 60 of the processorcircuit. Block 30 may represent a plurality of sensors, which are notshown here for clarity of description. Blocks 50 and 60 are illustratedin FIGS. 7B-A, 7B-B. Activation of TRIAC 43 by drive block 40 connectshot and neutral line power to terminals 13 and 14, which connect tothree series outlets 100 and two parallel outlets that are downstream,shown in FIG. 7C. Activation of TRIAC 53 by drive block 50 connects thehot line to upper outlet 54, shown in FIGS. 7B-A, 7B-B. Activation ofTRIAC 63 by drive block 60 connects the hot line to lower outlet 64. GFItest push button switch SW1 and reset push button switch SW2 areconnected between the output of supply block 10 and the processorcircuit. GFI and AFCI test circuits 74 and 76 receive outputs 75 and 77,respectively, as shown in FIGS. 7B-A, 7B-B, from the microcontroller 80,shown in FIG. 8. All inputs and outputs shown in FIGS. 7A-7C relate tothe respective terminals of similar references in the processor of FIG.8.

Each outlet 54, 64 of the receptacle has tamper resistance thatrestricts energizing of the sprung contacts until the blades of anelectrical plug are completely inserted into the receptacle. Multiplesensor inputs 55, 56, 57, 58, 65, 66, 67, 68 for the plug blades ofoutlets 54 and 64 are shown in FIGS. 7B-A, 7B-B. The sensors sense thearrival of the blades. If the arrivals are within a specified period oftime, the outlet is energized. The device will only turn ON power to theparticular outlet, when it detects that the two power plug pin detectioncircuits have detected that the BLK & WHT plug pins have been inserted.The circuits provide a logic signal which operates as an interrupt tothe microcontroller, so it will turn ON or OFF the TRIAC driver circuit(logic Output signal) 41, 51, 61. There is also a respective TRIAC faultsignal 42, 52, 62 which is provided for each power TRIAC.

Upstream series arc faults can be detected by monitoring voltage 31.During a series arc fault the voltage on the conductor tends to beerratic and does not follow sine wave attributes. By monitoring current30 on the hot and neutral conductors and comparing it to the groundconductor, the presence of an arc fault is detected and the severity ofthe arc fault is reduced by disabling the receptacle outlets 54, 64and/or the downstream loads 14 to minimize current flow. Different arcfault types have different timing profiles. The logic processing cancompare sensed data to reference data that can be stored in a table.

As noted above, FIG. 8 sets forth in detail the input and output pins ofthe microcontroller 80. Included in the receptacle with microcontroller80 is communication module 90. Communication terminals 91 and 92 areconnected to corresponding pins of microcontroller 80. The antennaprovides communication with circuit receptacles to allow monitoring ofthe current draw of the circuit. Information from monitored voltage andcurrent can be analyzed, accessed, reported and/or acted upon. Power toand from any outlet can be turned on and/or off by external commands tothe communications module. A buffer interface, not shown, can be addedto communications lines 91 and 92. Data from microcontroller 80 can becollected by an external software application to provide externalcontrols such as dimming, turning power on/off, controlling poweroutputs, or for obtaining information on power outputs.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of null task process 900 routines implemented byprocessor 80. Signals to processor 80 generate interrupts in accordancemulti-interrupt structure 902, 904, 906, and 908. Any of received resetinterrupt signal 902, push button test interrupt signal 904, tamperresistant related interrupt signal 906, and a-d converter (ADC)interrupt signal 908 triggers an interrupt for execution of theappropriate subsequent routine.

Interrupt 902, caused by a push button activated fault or by arequirement for a reset, such as need for a power up/startup, triggersstep 920 to activate the ADC Initialization process. Subsequently, ifstep 918 determines that the GFI flag is set, then step 922 initiatesGFI process steps depicted in FIG. 16, to reset and/or initialize GFIhardware. Tamper related interrupt 906, triggers step 912. Testing ofTamper Resistance is determined by sensing pins and responding to ADCinterrupts. The process for 912 is depicted in FIG. 11. Analog toDigital Conversion (ADC) interrupt 908, indicating that the ADCcompleted a conversion of one of the analog voltages, triggers ADCsampling process 914, depicted in FIG. 12. PB Test Interrupt 904initiates the GFI Manual test step routine 910 depicted in FIG. 10.

The flow chart of FIG. 10 relates to a manual GFI test 1000. TestCircuit is represented as block 76 in FIGS. 7B-A, 7B-B. Step 1002determines whether the test push button (PB) is pressed or released.Step 1004 sets the manual test flag (“enabled”) and tests the GFI testcircuit if PB has been pressed. Step 1006 disables the manual test flagand the GFI test circuit, respectively, if PB is released. This processillustrated can also be applicable to a manual push button test for GFIother faults including but not limited to AFCI. The enabling of the MGFItest flag is to trigger a priority interrupt during the next logicalprocessing step.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart that is common for both the upper and loweroutlets for detecting the insertion and removal of plug pins. Block 110starts the tamper resistant function. Step 1102 verifies that TRprocessing is being done as indicated by the TR flag having been set. Ifthe line (L) and neutral (N) pins are already inserted, the processreturns to the Null Task polling routine 900 in FIG. 9. If the L and Npins have not been inserted, then the process continues to step 1104. Asthe triac should be off unless both L and N pins are detected to havebeen inserted each within a predetermined window timer (25 ms in thisexample), the triac is disabled. At step 1106, determination is made ofwhether an L or N plug prong is inserted. If so, the window timer atstep starts at step 1108. If decision block 1110 determines whether bothL and N plug prongs have been inserted in an upper or lower outlet in areceptacle within the acceptable 25 ms time frame, then step 1112enables the Upper or Lower Triac for the “upper outlet” or for the“lower outlet” respectively. If not, step 1124 has determined thatinsertion of both prongs has not occurred within the 25 ms timeframe,and flow reverts to step 1104 to disable the triac.

The decision block at step 1114 determines whether a fault is detectedin the triac circuit. If not, decision block at step 1116 determineswhether a 20 amp or 15 amp pin has been inserted in the outlet.Depending on whether or not a 20A Pin has been pressed or released, step1118 will set 20 A or step 1120 will set 15 A as the maximum current.

If step 1124 determines that both pins aren't inserted within therequired 25 ms timer parameter, then the process continues to step 1104to disable the Triac. If a fault has been determined in step 1114, theprocess returns to step 1104 where the Triac is disabled.

FIG. 12 is the flowchart of the AFCI sampling process 1200 which takesplace as a result of receiving an Analog to Digital Converter Interrupt908 in FIG. 9 indicating the presence of a new analog value, whichinterrupt calls this sampling routine 1200 from block 914.

Once values of voltage and current (1-5 in block 1204) have beensampled, stored in the Data Table 1208 and a sufficient preset number(Samples Permissible Counter 31 in Data Table) of samples have beenaccumulated (steps 1204, 1206, 1207 and 1211), then values in the DataTable are processed according to the actions in block 1212 to be usedfor other purposes such as fault testing.

For each new analog value, the tasks in block 1204 are executed:establishing which line (1-5) was sampled; i.e. the Black/Line Voltage(1), the current of the upper outlet (2), the current of the loweroutlet (3), the White/Neutral Current (4) and the downstream current(5). Upon receipt of one value for any of 1-5, the sample counter value(preset in this embodiment to the value 5) is stored (block 1204, step6) in Data Table block 1208 (0) which value gets updated. This samplecounter is then decremented (step 7) in order to read the next value(1-5) retrieved from MUX which is set to next logical input. Step 8 inblock 1204 then reloads the value of the ADC (“A/D”) Timer found in DataTable block 1208 (30) to the ADC control register to reinitialize. TheMUX is an analog multiplexor which selects for the ADC one of the 8permissible analog inputs (in this embodiment, only 5 are used foranalog signals).

One ADC generates one value based on the MUX selecting the next of oneof the 5 analog inputs signal values to be processed, reloading thetiming register in the processor which is for the Analog Digitalconversion. A/D sample Timer (30) in the Date Table 1208 is the numberof processor clock cycles to wait (e.g. 16) before the processor's ADCgenerates the next analog value to be stored. As it is ADC hardwaredependent, the 16 clock cycles could be a different value for anotherprocessor. Decision block 1206 tests to see if the sampling processes inblock 1204 have been repeated five times to acquire the five analogmeasurements (1-5 in block 1204), based on the Sample Counter beingdecremented (7, block 1204) from five to zero.

Data Table 1208 builds values in locations 1-5 from the sample values1-5 obtained in block 1204 and is stored in the Data Table based on thesample counter (0).

During the process 1204, the Sample Counter which is decremented rangesfrom 1 to 5, and is used as a pointer in the Data Table 1208, being anindex indicating which of the 100 to 500 arrays to use.

Decision block 1206 determines that if the Sample Counter has notdecremented down to zero, then the process returns to null task FIG. 9waiting for next ADC interrupt signal.

Once the counter has decremented to 0, sampling will repeat untilsufficient samples have been collected based on the value in SamplesPermissible 31, Data Table 1208.

For example, in this embodiment, as 99 sample values are beingaccumulated for each of the 1-5 power signals, then 99 sample values ofthe Black Voltage these would be stored in the Data Table as 101 to 199;99 sample current values for the upper outlet in 201-299; 99 samplevalues for the lower outlet, in 301 to 399; 99 sample values for theWhite Current, in 401-499; and 99 sample values for Downstream Current,in 501-599.

The steps in block 1207 and the decision block 1211 cause the samplingof the 5 signal values to take place for 99 times to be used todetermine AFCI signature, and to calculate averages (RMS) for example.Decision block 1211 using the changing value in 31 of Data Table 1208,determines if the value in the Samples Permissible Counter (31) has beendecremented from 99 to 0.

In an embodiment, in FIG. 12 ADC values are read from the ADC registerand stored in data sets and then the data is processed. In thisembodiment 99 values have been used for each of the five power types, asbeing sufficient to represent the sine wave signature. The sample values(100-599) are used after processing to detect spikes, etc. occurring inthe values in the Table.

At block 1212, there now are a full set of values within each of the 5arrays 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500.

From the samples collected in each of 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 series,peaks can be calculated (11, 12, 13, 14, and 15), as well as averages(6, 7, 8, 9 and 10).

Subsequent to processing steps in block 1212, four types of tests areperformed; namely, AFCI (1214,1216), GFI (1218), Surge (1220) andAuto/Self (1222). However, in another embodiment, the data sampled couldalso be processed for Peak Values (11-15 in the Data Table 1208), powerspikes could be tested for; similarly RMS (average) values could be usedto monitor, test and disable power for brownout and/or other conditions.

Following the processing of the Data Table 1208 and establishment of anAFCI signature in 1212, the signature block 1214 tests for the presenceof an AFCI Signature. If AFCI signature is found it continues to step1216 to process AFCI tasks on FIG. 13.

FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) is a possible method of extractingfrequencies out of a Data Table. The FFT is looking at the values in100-599.

The detection of spikes indicates that there is arcing; i.e. highfrequency pulses. FFT finds the frequency that is indicative of thearcing, then values are checked for duration and amplitude. If decisiontable 1214 does not find an AFCI signature, the process continues toblock 1218 to determine if GFI fault conditions exist. Subsequently theprocess continues testing for Surge 1220 and then Auto/Self Test 1222.

Other tests could be incorporated, for example, for overvoltage andbrownouts. Similar to GFI and Surge, all the raw data required exists inthe Data Table 1208.

Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 13, block 1300 starts processes forAFCI signatures and establishes whether and where there may be an AFCIfault requiring power to be shut off. Various types of processingactivities for various types of AFCI interrupts which can take place dueto voltage faults on the Black line in series, and/or current faults dueto faults on the local outlet or downstream. These are listed in block1302.

In Block 1302, Black Voltage signals are processed as these can signalSerial AFCI (“BLK V Serial AFCI”) conditions. Current on the white(“WHT”) for the local and for the downstream is processed for parallelAFCI fault signals. Block 1302 also references Serial, Local andDownstream (“Down”) preset counters for the Black Voltage Serial (4),Local (outlet) Current Parallel (5) and Downstream Current (6) AFCIconditions. In addition to event counters, there are timers for each ofthe three conditions (8, 9, 10). In this embodiment, both conditions ofminimum number of events and maximum timing must be met to turn off theTriac(s) at block 1320. The counters are used to minimize false triggers(e.g. an acceptable motor startup) of a non-AFCI condition provided theflag occurred a certain number of times and within a short time windowsuch as 4 seconds for the series, local and downstream timers (decisionblock 1305) indicating a valid AFCI condition requiring turning off ofthe power.

The Data Table 1304 in FIG. 13 is the same as table 1208 shown in FIG.12, as the values are re-used for different conditions. If an AFCI faulthas been detected at steps 1306, 1308, 1310 then the processes in Block1320 cause the Triac(s) to be turned off, cutting power at the localoutlet and downstream. Counters, timers, AFCI and related flags (egTriacs) are reset. Process continues to Null Task.

In an alternative, it is possible to shut off power the power only tothe local outlet or receptacle could be shut off, and not to devicesfurther downstream.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the ADC reset process. Interrupt 902 (FIG. 9)signals a manual power reset or power startup condition requiring an ADCreset action for hardware and power initialization tasks to be executed.Block 1402 initializes and resets certain counters and values:

Preset value (e.g. 16), representing the clock cycle, is loaded in 30,Table 1304 Value of 16 is specific to particular ADC hardware; ADCConverter counter is set to the value 5 in Table 1304(0); ADC RegisterTimer is set by storing the value in Table 1304(30) in the ADC RegisterTimer; ADC Converter Samples Permissible Counter in Table 1304(31) isreset to 99; AFCI Counters and GFI Counters are reset.

Although other processes may turn on the power Triac(s) independently ofa TR testing requirement, in process 1400, Triacs are not turned on atsteps 1408, 1412 and 1416 unless the TR function requirement has beenmet by decision box steps 1406, 1410 and 1414. Steps 1406, 1410 and 1414turn on the appropriate power Triac(s), depending on whether the UpperOutlet, Lower Outlet and/or Downstream flags have been set.

If 1406 indicates that there is nothing wrong in the upper outlet, theUpper Outlet is turned on at step 1408. If step 1410 indicatesdetermines that the Lower Outlet flag is set, indicating that there isnothing wrong with the Lower Outlet, then the Lower Outlet Power/Triacis turned on at step 1412. If step 1414 verifies that the Downstreampower feature is active (i.e.) the enable flag has been set, theDownstream is made available for processing by turning ON the DownstreamPower/Triac at step 1416. Turn on (or off) of the Power/Triac fordownstream is made for the entire receptacle, although this action couldbe restricted to one or both of the outlets in the receptacle only.

FIG. 15 is GFI test flowchart, in contrast to AFCI which works onsignatures (block 1214, FIG. 12). GFCI processing works on samplevalues, RMS values and durations, applying data table 1508, elements5-20. For example, the RMS (average) values are used for the Black(“BLK”) 7, 8 and 10 which is for power in and out; the White (“WHT”) 9represents all return currents. As noted previously, the various datatables 1208, 1304, 1508 and the table of FIG. 18 represent the sameprocessor memory storage. For example, creation of the data table 1508has occurred during the processes in FIG. 12.

The decision block of step 1510 determines that if the sum of thecurrent of Upper and Lower outlets and the downstream current is greaterthan 6 ma, then there is a GFI fault and the three power/Triacs are tobe turned off for both the upper and lower outlets as well as for thedownstream power. The signal Led Fault is turned ON and GFI Fault Flagis set. More specifically, step 1506 processes values in the Data Table1508 and sums the RMS (average) values for the upper (7), lower (8) anddown current (10). Decision block 1510 then determines if this sum isgreater than the White Current (4) on a sample by sample basis than apredetermined current (in this embodiment 6 mA has been used), and ifnot, then there is no GFI fault.

Step 1510 compares the sum of individual values Upper, Lower and Down in200-299, 300-399, 500-599 respectively, against the value of thematching white values in 400. If this sum of the upper, lower anddownstream as compared to the White Current than 6 mA, then a fault isdetermined and 1512 turns off the power triac(s), whether for the upperor lower outlet and the downstream. The Fault LED is turned ON and theGFI Fault Flag is enabled. Optionally, following a predetermined periodof time (e.g. 15 minutes), the system may auto reset, and test if theGFI fault still is present. If not, the system may automaticallyrestart.

FIG. 16 is a GFI reset process flowchart. This GFI Reset routine block1600 initializes GFI Hardware by turning OFF Fault LED, disabling theGFI Fault Flag, setting Enable Flags (TRIACS), and turning off the GFITest Register. Decision blocks of steps 1606, 1610 and 1614 establish ifcertain Power/TRIACs are to be turned on, depending on whether upperoutlet TR flags, lower outlet TR flags and downstream enable flagshaving been set. Similar to the process in the flowchart of FIG. 14which turns on power/Triacs used for any or all the upper, lower and/ordownstream functions, the GFI reset process turns on any or all of thethree Triacs during a GFI Reset process. Following reset, the processstep 1618 continues to the GFI Test 1218, FIG. 12.

FIG. 17 is a surge test process flowchart for turning off power/Triacsfor overcurrent and surges. The decision block of step 1702 determinesif there is a flag indication that Surge Protection is a feature in theoutlet. If not, the process returns to FIG. 12 block 1222 and proceedsto call the Auto/Self Test routine.

If the Surge test feature is enabled as indicated by the presence of aSurge Enable Flag at step 1702, it has been determined that there is noArc Fault occurring, and that there is no current imbalance between Hotand Neutral (GFI). At step 1706, Data Table samples are processed andthe process continues to decision steps 1708, 1712, and 1716 todetermine if current exceeds the permissible level (15 Amperes or 20Amperes). Certain overages over the MAX may be permissible for a limitedtime duration to provide for cases of a limited surge such as a motorstart-up.

Step 1706 processes the Data Table Samples (Block 1508): The Local Poweris totaled “Local” by adding the RMS values of the Upper and Loweroutlets, assuming two outlets are active in the receptacle. Then the sumof the Downstream RMS and the Local RMS generates “Total” Power. Thedecision blocks 1708 and 1712 then determine if the Downstream Currentor Total Current, respectively, is greater than or equal to Max, inwhich case step 1710 turns off the Downstream Power/Triac, and turns ONFault LED and appropriate flags. Max is a preset value based on whetherthe outlet is operating in 15 A or 20 A mode.

There is the capability to determine the Max current parameter dependingupon the presence of 15 A or 20 A plug blade. For example, it may bepermissible to draw 100% continuous current or 120% for less duration toprovide for start up time such as inrush for a hair dryer or airconditioner. Decision block 1716 compares the Local value (sum of bothUpper and Lower outlet) to the Max Current Parameter value. If greater,decision blocks 1724 and 1726 compare each of the upper and Loweroutlets, shutting off the respective Power/Triacs and turning on therespective Fault LED(s).

FIG. 18 lists the elements in the Data Table. These are preset oraccumulated, and/or processed during the execution of various routines.Of the 1 to 5 signals being monitored, 1, 2, 3 and 5 are done on theblack input, and 4 (“WHT”) is the return path. Current relatedinformation is used for GFI, Surges and Overcurrent processing; voltage,for AFCI serial, overvoltage and brownouts. The Sample Counter (0) ispreset to a value of 5 as the embodiments are monitoring 5 current, orvoltage values: Black Voltage, Upper Black Current, Lower Black Current,Down Black Current and White (“WHT”) Current. Timers 21 to 26 are fortracking how long the events occurred. BLK shows individual load currentdrawn and WHT is the return path for all currents unless there is afault.

FIG. 19 is an auto/self-test process flowchart that is initiated fromFIG. 12, block 1222 and is primarily for auto/self testing of thesystem's hardware including but not limited to the GFI function(decision block 1908). The system may also test information from othersensors for calibration, temperature, etc.

If step 1901 determines that this is a manual test, then the processesin block 1906 are initiated. If a fault has been determined, the poweris turned off at step 1904. Whether a self test as established in step1902, or a manual test as determined in step 1901, step 1906 enables theGFI test circuit, reads the ADC values for the Upper, Lower, the White,and the Black & the White downstream, sums the Upper and Lower values,and disables the GFI Test Circuits.

Step 1908 tests whether an imbalance has occurred. If it was a manualtest, the process continues to 1912. If it was an internal test andfailed, the power is turned off. If is determined in step 1910 that amanual test failed, the power is turned off.

FIG. 20A is a partial plan view of a physical layout of a receptacle,such as described with respect to FIGS. 1A-1F, operable by means of thecircuits of FIGS. 6-8. A plug has not been inserted in the receptacle.FIG. 20A illustrates the receptacle of FIG. 20A with insertion of plug160. Power circuit board 152 includes two sprung contacts 156. Daughtercircuit board 150 includes two sprung contacts 154. Circuit board 152includes sprung contacts 156.

Boards 152 and 156 are substantially parallel to, and separated from,each other. Contacts 154 and 156 are aligned with each other, bridgedacross the separation by inserted plug blades 158, as shown in FIG. 20B.The two circuit boards allow separation between the high voltage powercontrol logic components on circuit board 152 and circuit board 150, thelatter containing sensing logic and communication components. Moreparticularly, the voltage sensing, control, connection of high voltageto the plug pins, device power interconnect lines (Upstream [BLK/WHTIN]/Downstream [BLK/WHT Out]) 30 are included on power circuit board152. Plug pin sensing logic elements are include on circuit board 150.This arrangement provides high efficiency of the power circuitry, as thehigh current traces are all together. Ability of the GFI & AFCIprotection is afforded to measure the currents on both the neutral aswell as on the hot lines, and to reliably measure a fine currentimbalance, for example as little as six milliamps.

Full insertion of plug 160 completes circuit connection ofmicrocontroller 80 with low voltage sensor circuits 55, 56, 57, 58 and65, 66, 67, 68, depicted in FIGS. 6, 7B-A, 7B-B and 8. microcontroller80 monitors the sensor contacts to determine whether the power is to beturned on or off. Circuit board 150 monitors the contact sensors todetermine the insertion time of the plug neutral and hot blades. Groundprong 57, 67 insertion time is also assessed. The ground prong is longerthan the hot and neutral blades. If a ground plug is present, it isdetected first to establish distinctive timing criteria. Themicrocontroller will wait for the other blades to be inserted.Separation of the current sensors to a single board facilitatesmeasurement of precision, calibration, and long term stability. There isno need to tamper with any of the high voltage variables that arestable, having already been calibrated. The separated board makesprovision for addition of other communication functions, e.g, Bluetooth,Zigbee, WiFi power line communications while limiting the number ofsignals traveling between the two circuit boards.

The reliability and lifespan of electrical components are enhanced bymaintaining them at a relatively low temperature. FIGS. 21 and 22exemplify provision in the receptacle of an oversized ground plate thatacts as a heat sink for the electrical thermal components that generateheat, such as the exemplified TRIACs. A ground plate width and heightare maximized on the front face. A bent flange on the receptacle sideadds to the surface area and strength for heat dissipation. The groundplate may be constructed of galvanized steel or alternate thermalconductive materials. Fins may be added to maximize heat conductionsurface area. FIG. 23 exemplifies a 15/20 A embodiment of thereceptacle. FIG. 24 depicts ground plate with heat sink flange for thereceptacle shown in FIG. 23.

Referring to FIGS. 25A-25E, a 15 A plug 218 is inserted into thedaughter board of the receptacle shown in FIG. 23. FIGS. 26A-26Eillustrate insertion of a 20 A into the daughter board of the receptacleshown in FIG. 23. Sprung contacts 212 and 214 and 228 sense insertion ofneutral blade 220. Hot sprung contact 216 only senses the insertion ofthe hot plug blade. A neutral blade 220 for a 15 A plug mates only withneutral sprung contacts 212 and 214, as depicted in FIGS. 25A-25E.Additional mating with contact 226 occurs only for insertion of a 20 Aplug, depicted in FIGS. 26A-26E. Blades 214 and 216 are sensed todetermine the arrival time of each of the blades to confirm insertion ofa plug rather than foreign objects. The orientation of the blades isalso sensed by the contacts in order to determine if the plugconfiguration is for a 15 A appliance or a 20 A appliance 226. On theneutral side, there is the possibility of two neutral plug bladeorientations.

Referring to FIGS. 27A-27B, micro switches 205 are used to determinewhether there is full insertion of a plug blade. Sprung contacts depressswitch push buttons upon insertion. Micro switch plunger 207 isdepressed by the sprung contact 201 that is deformed when a plug bladeis inserted into the outlet socket 203. The side of the plug blade isused to determine insertion time. because the variation in blade lengthallowed by standard is quite large.

FIG. 28 is an isometric view of single circuit board that used both tosense blade insertion and supply power to the blades of the receptaclesof FIGS. 25 and 26. The receptacle housings and ground plate have beenhidden for clarity. FIG. 29 depicts insertion of a 15 A plug in thecircuit board of FIG. 28. FIG. 30 depicts insertion of a 20 plug in thecircuit board of FIG. 28. This configuration of contacts allowsassessment of the arrival of blades and supply of power to the powercontacts. Identification of whether a 15 A plug or 20 A plug has beeninserted permits setting of the maximum trip current of the outlet.

For each of the two outlets of circuit board 230, there are two sprunghot contacts 232 and 234. Hot contact 232 supplies power to the hotpower blade. Hot contact 234 is the sensing contact. For each of the twooutlets of circuit board 230, there are three sprung neutral contacts236, 238 and 240. Neutral contact 236 is the 15 A sensing contact,neutral contact 238 is the power contact and neutral contact 240 is the20 A sensing contact.

Hot blade 244 closes the circuit between hot contacts 232 and 234,effectively sensing the arrival of the blade. Slots 242 in contacts 232,234, 238 and 240 are sized slightly smaller than the thickness of theblade to allow the contacts to spring outwardly when a blade is insertedand apply pressure on the blade ensuring electrical conduction.

Neutral 15 A blade 220 closes the circuit between neutral 15 A sensingcontact 236 and neutral power contact 238. Neutral 15 A sensing contact236 is positioned at a distance, slightly less than the thickness ofneutral 15 A blade 220, away from neutral power contact 238. Whenneutral 15 A blade is inserted neutral 15 A sensing contact flexesallowing the blade to be inserted and apply pressure on the bladeensuring electrical conduction.

Neutral 20 A blade 224 closes the circuit between neutral power contact238 and neutral 20 A sensing contact 240. Neutral 20 A blade 224 doesnot contact neutral 15 A sensing contact 236 due to a clearance slot.

In this disclosure there are shown and described only exemplaryembodiments and but a few examples of its versatility. It is to beunderstood that the embodiments are capable of use in various othercombinations and environments and are capable of changes ormodifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressedherein. For example, the term “processor” has been used in thisdisclosure in a generic sense to include integrated circuits such asmicroprocessor, microcontroller, control logic circuitry, FPGA, etc. Theterms “upstream” and “downstream” are used to refer to the respectiverelative direction in relation to the circuit branch originating at theelectrical supply. The term “socket” has been used to indicate anindividual contact of the outlet to mate with an individual plug prong.The terms plug “prong” and plug “blade” have been used interchangeably.While optical sensors have been illustrated, the concepts disclosedherein are applicable to the use of other equivalent sensors. Moreover,the data tables are shown as 1208, 1304, 1508 to relate to flow chartFIGS. 12, 13, 15 and 18. A single memory table of processor 80 comprisesall of the described data tables.

The disclosure illustrates, but is not limited to, receptacles whichtypically include two outlets. The concepts of this disclosure areapplicable to other receptacles of multiple other multiple outlets, oneof which may lack a series switch. Moreover, although an electricalreceptacle is described an example embodiment, the application of thefeatures and means of accomplishing them are not limited to anelectrical receptacle. While switches 2211 and 2213 of FIG. 2 aredepicted as being tripped by an object inserted in the N socket, suchtripping can, instead, occur from insertion of an object in the Lsocket. While a maximum time period of 25 ms for source connection hasbeen exemplified in the description of FIGS. 2 and 3, a different timeperiod is within the contemplation of this disclosure.

The disclosed concepts are applicable to power strips, power bars,extension cords, receptacle adaptors, circuit breakers, and otherdevices that provide electrical power via outlets for a matching plug,or other connectors. While a North American 110V 60 Hz receptacle isexemplified herein, the disclosed concepts are applicable to otherinternational receptacles or devices. Similarly, the disclosure is notlimited to plug blades as the mating means for the receptacle outlet,but is applicable interchangeably to other plug configurations such asfound in other international standards. Moreover, although the presentdisclosure has been exemplified in a single phase alternating currentcontext, the disclosure is operable in the contexts of direct currentand three-phase systems.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electrical receptacle comprising: a plugoutlet comprising first and second prong socket contacts configured forelectrical connection to a hot power line and a neutral power line,respectively; a power source; a mechanical switch mechanism electricallyconnected to the power source in an on state; a plurality of detectorscorresponding respectively to the first and second prong socketcontacts, said detectors connected to the switch mechanism and the powersource during the on state of the switch mechanism; wherein themechanical switch mechanism is activated to said on state by insertionof one or more objects in the plug outlets; a processor configured toactivate electrical connection from the hot line to the first prongsocket in response to two or more objects being detected by theplurality of detectors within a specified time.
 2. An electricalreceptacle as recited in claim 1, further comprising a controlled switchconnected between the first prong socket contact and the hot line,wherein a control terminal of the switch is coupled to the processor. 3.An electrical receptacle as recited in claim 1, further comprising anindicator coupled to the processor; wherein outputs of the detectors arecoupled to the processor; and the processor is further configured toproduce an output to the indicator in response to outputs received fromthe detectors indicative that objects have not been inserted in the plugsockets within said specified time.
 5. An electrical receptaclecomprising: at least one plug outlet comprising prong socket contactsconfigured for electrical connection to a hot power line and a neutralpower line, respectively; a controlled switch connected to a contact ofeach said plug outlet in series relationship with the hot power line forcontrolling connection from the hot line; a processor comprising atleast one input coupled to said plug outlet and an output coupled to acontrol terminal of said switch; wherein the processor is configured todetermine that a plug is inserted into said plug outlet and, in responseto an approximate zero volt level of the alternating current waveform,output an activation signal to a control terminal of said switch forelectrical connection of the plug outlet to the hot line when thealternating current waveform is at or about zero volts.
 6. An electricalreceptacle for connecting to a plurality of power lines including a hotline and a neutral line, the electrical receptacle comprising: at leastone plug outlet; a plurality of prong sockets for each plug outlet, eachprong socket corresponding to a respective one of the power lines; apower source; a plurality of switches coupled to a power source, theplurality of switches corresponding to respective ones of said prongsockets wherein: the switches are positioned to detect a presence of anobject at the corresponding prong socket; each switch comprises a switchplunger depressed by deflection of a spring contact due to insertion ofthe one or more objects; and further comprising: a processor configuredto activate electrical connection from the hot line to the correspondingprong socket in response to a plurality of objects being detected by theswitches substantially within a specified time.